Laser 161752 Tynemouth |
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Laser 140101 Tynemouth |
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Laser 28 - Excellent example of this great design Hamble le rice |
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List classes of boat for sale |
Warrmer Longjohns |
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Do Different ![]() Really should get out more ![]() Joined: 26 Jan 12 Location: North Online Status: Offline Posts: 1312 |
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If of any interest, what works well for me are surfing steamers, one cheaper and one more expensive for winter.
I like them because they always seem to have nice thick leg material which helps for wading and knock protection and thinner flexible shoulders (surfers like this for paddling out) for easy reaching around the boat but a bit more warmth and flush protection than a Long John. I do always massacre them though, even the expensive one by cutting the arms off and refinishing just above the elbow. Loosing the forearm makes getting on and off a lot easier, feels freer and eliminates risk of a tight sleeve restricting blood circulation leading to cramp or cold hands. Spray top over if wet n windy.
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gordon1277 ![]() Really should get out more ![]() Joined: 24 Mar 10 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 665 |
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For hiking the Sandeline winter version are really good teamed up with an Aqafleece top.
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Gordon
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jaydub ![]() Far too distracted from work ![]() Joined: 06 Jan 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 267 |
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The feedback I have had from most suppliers is that the NP Matrix and Matrix Firewire ranges are as good as Zhik.
The one area NP is not as good as Zhik is in the ability to meet demand with supply of their product as most suppliers will struggle to supply you both a LJ and top!
I tried on the Firewire LJ and both the Matrix and Firewire tops on the other day (albeit the tops were not the right size). I couldn't believe the stretchiness of the Firewire version, which for some reason seemed to be better than the Matrix. The LJ was arguably more comfortable than my Gill LJ, which is amazing since it is almost twice as thick.
Chris, your feedback on the Matrix is really useful, as I am looking for something to take me from the Gill LJ through to 'proper' dry suit weaher and it maybe the Matrix or indeed the Gul Code Zero may prove to be a more flexible option than the Firewire version.
I suspect we are only getting into NP Firwire / Zhik superwarm territory as it starts getting more Autumnal, whereas I've had an issue with keeping warm enough off and on for the last couple of months.
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ChrisB14 ![]() Posting king ![]() Joined: 29 Oct 13 Location: London Online Status: Offline Posts: 101 |
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I'm very happy with my NP Elite Matrix. 3 mm, but with polypro underneath never been cold in the long john. I admit I was surprised that 3 mm is warm enough. I've heard that people are not as happy with the 5 mm "Firewire" version, as it can only be worn in the coldest months, whereas the 3 mm is fine for most of the year.
When it gets colder, I add an Aquafleece Pro (not really dry, but close) or the NP top. When it gets even colder both. After that, I admit that I am a wimp and stay home with a hot cup of tea.
The wife is quite happy with her Gul kit as is the sister. |
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B14 GBR 748 Bullet B
In build: Farr 3.7 GBR 410 (both sail number and the current number of loose parts) |
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GarethT ![]() Really should get out more ![]() ![]() Joined: 21 Apr 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 714 |
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Fashion.
I don't think the zhik kit is any better (seen lots of young laser sailors shivering bedecked in zhik 'super warm'), but they're the new kids on the block. The traditional British brands are the stuff your parents wore. |
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Medway Maniac ![]() Really should get out more ![]() ![]() Joined: 13 May 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2788 |
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Let's put it another way then, why are our clothing designers behind the Kiwis? Are our many uni design courses all rubbish?
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Presuming Ed ![]() Really should get out more ![]() Joined: 26 Feb 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 641 |
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Yup. Would think that it's all made in China?
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GarethT ![]() Really should get out more ![]() ![]() Joined: 21 Apr 07 Online Status: Offline Posts: 714 |
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I'll declare an interest, my son is sponsored by them, but the Magic Marine 'Waterblocker' top is great for layering up on a cold day. He's a windsurfer so has to find a balance between keeping warm and not overheating and it's been excellent.
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davidyacht ![]() Really should get out more ![]() Joined: 29 Mar 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1345 |
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Not wishing to court controversy, but I wonder where the Gul and Typhoon kit comes from? Seriously I am sure there is lots of good UK kit, but the Zhik kit is very well designed and constructed, and it is obvious that dinghy sailors have been involved in the design. Whilst I question how expensive it is, it is cheap when compared with ski kit, or offshore kit.
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Happily living in the past
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Medway Maniac ![]() Really should get out more ![]() ![]() Joined: 13 May 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2788 |
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How is it that our home-grown manufacturers like Gul and Typhoon can't match Zhik who have to send their stuff half-way round the world?
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